Shweta Pakhare – Nov 26, 2024

The mobile game industry has experienced explosive growth in recent years, captivating millions of players worldwide. As the market becomes increasingly competitive, developers face the challenge of getting their games noticed among countless others on platforms like the App Store and Google Play. Success in this crowded space requires more than just a great game idea; it demands a strategic approach to development, marketing, and publishing.

Aspiring mobile game creators need to navigate a complex journey from concept to launch. This article explores essential tips to help developers increase their chances of getting their mobile game apps published. It covers key aspects such as refining gameplay mechanics, optimizing user experience, working with mobile game publishers, and leveraging data analytics to improve retention rates. By following these guidelines, developers can enhance their games’ potential for success in the competitive mobile game market.

Polishing Your Mobile Game to Perfection

1. Conducting thorough beta testing

Beta testing has an essential role in the development of mobile gaming apps. It provides developers with valuable insights into how their game performs in real-world conditions. This phase allows creators to identify and address issues before the official launch, ensuring a smoother user experience.

To conduct effective beta testing, developers should start by defining clear goals and objectives. This helps focus the testing process and guides testers to provide targeted feedback. When selecting beta testers, it’s crucial to aim for diversity in playstyles, experience levels, and demographics. This diversity brings a wide range of perspectives to the testing process, helping identify issues that may impact various player groups.

Providing detailed instructions to beta testers is vital to ensuring comprehensive and actionable feedback. These instructions should cover how to access the game, report bugs, and provide general feedback. Developers should also maintain open communication channels with testers through forums, emails, or live streams to foster a collaborative testing environment.

2. Implementing user feedback

User feedback has a significant impact on the success of mobile gaming apps. It offers developers direct insights into player experiences and preferences, allowing them to make informed decisions about improvements and updates.

To effectively implement user feedback, developers should start by analyzing and prioritizing the feedback received. This involves identifying common trends and themes in the feedback and assessing the frequency, impact, and severity of reported issues. Developers should focus on addressing widespread concerns that have the most significant impact on user experience.

Iterative testing is crucial in this process. As changes are implemented based on user feedback, developers should continually test and monitor how these modifications affect gameplay mechanics, progression systems, and difficulty levels. This iterative approach helps ensure that the game maintains optimal balance, performance, and user satisfaction.

3. Optimizing performance across devices

Performance optimization has a crucial role in the success of mobile gaming apps. It ensures smooth gameplay, faster load times, and reduced crashes across a wide range of devices. Developers should focus on three key areas: RAM optimization, FPS (Frames Per Second) improvement, and game size reduction.

For RAM optimization, developers can implement techniques such as loading assets on demand, using compressed formats for textures and audio files, and implementing object pooling for frequently used objects. These strategies help prevent game crashes and ensure smooth gameplay, especially on devices with limited memory.

To boost FPS, developers can use Level of Detail (LOD) techniques to reduce the complexity of distant objects, optimize textures, and simplify shaders. Implementing efficient algorithms and leveraging multithreading can also help distribute tasks across multiple CPU cores, improving overall performance.

Reducing game size has an essential role in improving download and installation times. Developers can achieve this by using texture compression formats, compressing audio files, and implementing dynamic asset loading. These techniques make the game more accessible to players with limited storage space and improve the overall user experience.

By focusing on these aspects of game polishing, developers can significantly enhance the quality and performance of their mobile gaming apps, increasing their chances of success in the competitive app marketplace.

4. Navigating the App Store Submission Process

Understanding app store guidelines

Navigating the App Store submission process has a crucial role in getting a mobile game app published. Developers need to familiarize themselves with Apple’s strict guidelines to increase their chances of approval. The App Store has a rigorous review process, rejecting approximately 35% of apps submitted between 2017 and 2019 1. To avoid rejection, developers must ensure their mobile games comply with content policies, functionality requirements, and design standards.

One key aspect of the guidelines is content appropriateness. The App Store prohibits apps with inappropriate or objectionable content, such as those promoting violence, substance abuse, or discrimination. Developers should implement filtering mechanisms and reporting tools to manage user-generated content effectively. Additionally, apps must have a clear and accessible privacy policy, detailing how user data has an impact on collection, storage, and sharing practices.

Preparing necessary assets and information

To streamline the submission process, developers need to prepare various assets and information beforehand. This includes creating high-quality screenshots, promotional text, and keywords that accurately describe the mobile game. It’s essential to provide clear and concise descriptions of the app’s functionality and features, avoiding any mention of competing platforms or unreleased iOS versions.

Developers should also ensure their app has an icon that stands out and adheres to Apple’s design guidelines. The icon should be provided in multiple sizes to accommodate different devices and resolutions. Additionally, preparing a demo account or fully-featured demo mode has an effect on facilitating the review process, allowing Apple’s team to thoroughly test the app’s functionality.

Addressing potential rejection issues

To minimize the risk of rejection, developers should address common issues before submission. One frequent cause of rejection has an impact on app crashes and significant bugs. Thorough testing across various devices and iOS versions has an impact on identifying and resolving these issues. Developers should also optimize their mobile games for performance, ensuring they don’t cause excessive battery drain or device heating.

Another potential rejection issue has an influence on incomplete or inaccurate metadata. Developers should double-check all information provided in the App Store listing, including age ratings, privacy policies, and support URLs. It’s crucial to avoid placeholder content and ensure all links within the app are functional.

Lastly, developers should pay attention to in-app purchases and monetization strategies. The App Store has strict guidelines regarding these features, and any attempts to circumvent their systems or implement unauthorized payment methods will result in rejection.

By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, preparing necessary assets, and addressing potential issues, developers can increase their chances of successfully navigating the App Store submission process and getting their mobile gaming apps published.

5. Partnering with the Right Mobile Game Publisher

Researching potential publishers

Finding the right mobile game publisher has a crucial role in the success of a mobile game. To find potential partners, developers can attend industry conferences such as Mobidictum, HIT Games Conference, Gamescom, or PocketGamer Connect. These events provide opportunities to network and build relationships with publishers quickly. In recent times, many of these events have shifted online, making them more accessible to developers 2.

When evaluating publishers, developers should consider factors such as the publisher’s track record, portfolio, alignment with the game’s genre and target audience, distribution capabilities, and monetization strategies 3. It’s also important to assess the publisher’s ability to offer fair terms and provide the necessary support for the game’s success.

Crafting a compelling pitch

Creating an effective pitch has an essential role in attracting the right publisher. Developers should focus on crafting a concise “elevator pitch” that captures the essence of their game in just a few seconds. This pitch should highlight the game’s unique features, target platforms, monetization strategy, and current development status 4.

When approaching publishers, developers should keep their initial communication brief and impactful. They should lead with their elevator pitch. Then follow it by strong visuals and essential information about the game. This includes details such as the game type, main premise, unique selling points, target platforms, monetization model, and development progress 4.

It’s crucial to demonstrate enthusiasm for the project while avoiding hyperbole or overpromising. Publishers are not only investing in the game but also in the development team, so conveying passion and professionalism has an impact on making a positive impression 4.

Negotiating favorable terms

When negotiating with publishers, developers should be prepared to discuss various aspects of the partnership beyond just marketing support. It’s important to ask about user acquisition campaigns, PR efforts, app store optimization, and post-launch support. Developers should also inquire about potential development support, QA services, and feedback on gameplay and monetization strategies 4.

Revenue share is a key consideration in any partnership. While many contracts start at a 50-50 split, developers may negotiate terms closer to 60-40, especially if they bring a ready-to-publish game that has already shown profitability. In paid partnerships, revenue shares can be even lower. However, it’s essential to recognize the added value that publishers bring, such as market insights, user acquisition strategies, and product enhancements. Understanding these elements can help developers secure a deal that positions their game for success!

Developers should keep an eye on contract clauses that could affect future projects, like perpetual licenses or limits on developing new games. It’s a good idea to chat about revenue sharing from the get-go and clarify approval rights for sales and bundles. Also, having the ability to review royalty payments can keep things transparent and build a strong partnership with your publisher. A friendly discussion can pave the way for a successful collaboration!

By thoroughly researching potential publishers, crafting a compelling pitch, and negotiating favorable terms, developers can increase their chances of finding the right partner to publish their mobile gaming app successfully.

6. Leveraging Analytics for Continuous Improvement

Implementing analytics tools

To optimize mobile gaming apps, developers need to implement robust analytics tools. These tools provide valuable insights into player behavior, game performance, and monetization strategies. By integrating analytics SDKs into their games, developers can collect data on various metrics, such as daily active users (DAU), retention rates, and average revenue per user (ARPU).

One popular analytics platform for mobile games is Google Analytics, which offers comprehensive features for tracking user interactions and measuring key performance indicators (KPIs). Firebase, developed by Google, is another versatile option that provides real-time insights and seamless integration with other Google services. Additionally, many publishers, like us at TapNation, offer their own SDKs that allow developers to tap into advanced analytics and optimization strategies tailored for mobile game success.

Tracking key performance indicators

Tracking the right KPIs has an impact on making informed decisions about game design and monetization. Some essential metrics to monitor include:

1. Daily active users (DAU) and monthly active users (MAU): These metrics indicate the game’s ability to attract and retain users.
2. Retention rate: This measures the percentage of users returning to the game after their first session, helping developers understand the game’s effectiveness in keeping players engaged over time.
3. Average revenue per user (ARPU): This metric provides insights into the game’s monetization efficiency.
4. Session length: The average time spent in the game per session, which can indicate user engagement and game quality.
5. Churn rate: The percentage of players who stop playing over a certain period, with a lower churn rate suggesting higher player satisfaction and loyalty.

To improve your chances of getting published, leveraging data is key. Analytics can help refine your game by highlighting player preferences and optimizing key elements like UI or monetization strategies. Quick A/B tests, for example, provide valuable insights into what drives engagement and retention. Publishers often rely on this data-driven approach to ensure a game resonates with its audience and has long-term potential.

Conclusion

The mobile game industry presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges for developers. By focusing on polishing gameplay, optimizing performance, and leveraging data analytics, creators can enhance their chances of success in this competitive market. Understanding app store guidelines, preparing necessary assets, and addressing potential rejection issues are crucial steps to navigate the submission process smoothly.

Partnering with the right publisher and negotiating favorable terms can greatly boost a game’s visibility and success. To continuously improve their games, developers should implement robust analytics tools, track key performance indicators, and make data-driven decisions. For those ready to take their mobile game to the next level, consider submitting your game to TapNation to explore publishing opportunities. By following these essential tips and staying attuned to market trends, developers can increase their odds of getting their mobile gaming apps published and thriving in the ever-evolving world of mobile games.

FAQs

1. How can I increase the visibility of my mobile game?
   To boost the visibility of your mobile game, start by promoting it among friends and family. Employ App Store Optimization (ASO) techniques to enhance organic installs. Consider running targeted ads through platforms like Apple Search Ads and Google app campaigns. Additionally, leverage social media to raise brand awareness and engage in influencer marketing to reach broader audiences.
2. What are the steps to create and publish a mobile game on the Play Store and iOS?To publish your game on the Play Store, begin by setting up a Google Play Developer account. Package your game appropriately, then create and fill out the app details on the Play Store. Afterwards, upload the Android App Bundle by creating a release. Ensure all game details are complete before publishing.For iOS, you’ll need to create an Apple Developer account. Prepare your game using Xcode and ensure it meets Apple’s guidelines. Next, create an App Store Connect listing, including app descriptions, screenshots, and pricing information. Then, upload your app via Xcode, then submit it for review. Once approved, your game will be available on the App Store.

Some more FAQs..

1. What are the key steps in developing a successful gaming app?
   Developing a successful gaming app involves several key steps: start with a solid game idea and build a compelling narrative. Ensure the game interface is intuitive and the gameplay is engaging and addictive. Focus on high-quality design and implement a monetization strategy. Consider building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to test the waters before a full-scale launch.
2. How can I effectively market my app to increase downloads?
   To effectively market your app and increase downloads, conduct keyword research for the Play Store and include these keywords in your app name or description. Now, consider investing in paid advertising such as Facebook ads, Instagram Ads, and Google AdWords. Alternatively, maximize organic reach by encouraging friends and family to share your app on social media, and by creating a presence on relevant online forums like XDA Developers. Ensure your Play Store listing has attractive screenshots, a compelling app description, and is localized in multiple languages to reach a wider audience.

Would you like to be part of this thriving ecosystem? Submit your game and let TapNation take your game to the next level!

References

[1] – https://saucelabs.com/resources/blog/best-practices-for-mobile-application-beta-testing
[2] – https://www.gamedev.net/tutorials/business/business-and-law/publishing-101-should-you-partner-with-a-game-publisher-r5137/
[3] – https://appsamurai.com/blog/mobile-game-publishers-list/
[4] – https://www.gamesindustry.biz/how-to-pitch-your-mobile-game-to-a-publisher